About Dade City

Situated in the beautiful rolling hills and pasturelands of Pasco County lies Dade City and the surrounding communities of San Antonio, Darby, St. Leo, St. Joseph, Lacoochee, Triby and Ridge Manor. Here, far form the hustle and bustle of the big cities, you can take a step back to a simpler and less-hurried lifestyle.

Downtown Dade City is a favorite destination for many visitors and residents alike who enjoy spending a leisurely day exploring its quaint shops and sampling the unique restaurants. Its history gleams from the red brick courthouse and varied original buildings that grace the neighboring streets.

As you drive the meandering back roads shaded by trees dripping with Spanish moss, you feel a peaceful calm and serenity. It's hard to believe that just a few miles away lies a busy interstate highway.

San Antonio, founded in 1881, is proud of its City Park located in the scenic "Town Square." The city also maintains McMullen Park, on the shore of Lake Jovita. The city is growing, yet a small town atmosphere prevails. Many visitors have decided to make San Antonio their home.

The town Of Saint Leo, incorporated in 1891, is the beautiful setting for Holy Name Monastery, Saint Leo Abbey and Saint Leo University. The Pasco County Sheriff and the Fire Department provide public safety services to its population of approximately 750.
Saint Joseph, located on Pasco County Road 578 just 5 miles west of Dade City, is a tranquil place where generations of families have lived on land homesteaded by their forefathers. It has remained basically unchanged on the 100 plus years since the Catholic immigrants arrived to explore the countryside.

Here in this tiny community nestled in the lush rolling hills of east Pasco, Kumquats are at least a semi-serious business. In fact this hamlet is the self-proclaimed "Kumquat Capital of the world." It boots the greatest acreage of this appetizing little member of the citrus family. Shipping begins early in November for the holiday trade. Saint Joseph and Dade city host the annual Kumquat Festival in January.

The Greater Dade City area also includes the rural communities of Triby, Darby and Lacoochee. Because of its proximity to northeastern Pasco County, the residents of Ridge Manor also consider themselves part of the greater Dade City area and utilize many of the services it offers.